Washington Hawthorn

Washington hawthorn is Crataegus phaenopyrum, a deciduous ornamental tree with white late-spring flowers and persistent red fruit. Its leaves turn red or purple in fall, extending its seasonal display beyond bloom. [The Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/washington-hawthorn/) ## Features and placement This medium-sized tree has a rounded crown, lobed leaves, and thorny stems. The Morton Arboretum gives mature dimensions of about 25–30 feet tall by 20–25 feet wide and reports hardiness across USDA Zones 3–8. Those ranges match the approximate dimensions and lower zone limit already recorded for this plant; the upper zone limit is also directly supported. The white flower clusters are described as unpleasantly scented, and the red pomes persist on the branches into winter. Thorny placement should be considered when choosing a lawn, park, or residential site. ## Maintenance Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. The Morton Arboretum describes the species as moderately drought tolerant and also able to grow in dry or wet sites, but avoid prolonged extremes while a new tree establishes. Monitor for cedar-rust diseases, a known problem for this species. The berries provide winter interest and can be used by birds; the Arboretum lists game birds, migrant birds, and songbirds among its wildlife associations. [The Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/washington-hawthorn/)